Thursday, March 27, 2008

715 posts...




This post is number 715. That's a lot of pictures and stories and ups and downs and thoughts and ramblings, wouldn't you agree? The truth is I never dreamed I would like blogging this much when I first created Nitty.Gritty. I had read blogs for about 5 months when I finally hit the button, 'create your own blog'. I really thought it was just going to be an easy way for me to share bits and pieces of my life and that of the rest of my family with my family and friends- near and far. Since our tragedy, I had been very good about sending emails and often times found myself 'needing' prayer support or encouragement for some new life challenge we were facing, or just had to share something exciting that had happened in our ongoing recoveries.
When the world of blog opened up before me, I had no idea what I was getting into, nor did I realize how many connections I would make or how many other people would feel compelled to share their stories with me.
It's been quite a ride, I must say. One that has really touched me in many ways. So this post today is kind of a compilation or update post on some of those stories that many of you have followed here in the past 715 posts.
First things, first.
I have been in the midst of a personal concern that has caused some stress in my life. I still am in that...but feel that God has given me peace to accept however it turns out. Still, if you feel led to do so, please pray for that peace and for the final results for me. Also, in regards to the issue of clutter. Thanks for some of your emails and tips on how I can address this. Part of it is just the added stress in my life sort of maginifies all the other 'stuff' that drags us down. I felt much better yesterday after tackling the closet/room that holds most of my girls' clothes. I emtpied out two bags of things they had outgrown and folded and hung up everything else that was out of place. That felt good and made me feel just that much more 'in control'. I think my advice for some of you at this same place I am in is to do ONE thing. Start small- whether it is a drawer or a closet or a single room, or even just cleaning everything off the front of the fridge.
A single clean space sort of gets the ball rolling and I really think it's all part of a larger mental game here. As spring bursts on the scene for many of us, we have this urgent sense to make things 'fresh' around our homes. I am happy to say that my one small step yesterday really made a big difference...and really it isn't that bad around my home. Nothing like the hoarders some of you wrote me that appeared on Oprah. I just feel like I needed a little jumpstart, and I wish you the best as you find ways to feel good about your homes and spaces too. Small steps are the key.
Secondly, many of you were moved and curious about the lives of our friends (the Cerak family of Gaylord, MI) who were told their daughter was killed along with others from Taylor University in a terrible van accident almost two years ago. Weeks later, they learned she had been misidentified as another student in the crash and actually was alive and recovering. They recently co-wrote a book with the parents of the family whose daughter had been killed and now will be sharing some of their thoughts on various tv programs. If you are interested in hearing some of that story and more of how they are doing now, you can see them on the Today Show (today- Thurs. 27th), tomorrow night on a Dateline 2-hour special, or on The Oprah Winfrey Show next Tuesday, April 1st.
I owe a few of you replies to the emails and donations you sent to me on behalf of Teagan's birthday when I invited you to be a part of the gift we are sending to our friend Roxanne Robbin who is serving some needy/special children in Uganda- many who are suffering from cancer and other serious diseases/injuries. We are touched by your generosity and have been in contact with Roxanne. She had sent us an update on Okello Dikens- whom I asked you to be in prayer for as his story had gripped my heart. He was given a fairly good report from his doctors just over a week ago, but this past Thursday he took a turn for the worse and is in a coma and having major complications- including vomiting blood and feeling pain. Roxanne spent all Easter weekend by his bedside and I know she would appreciate more prayers for little Dickens. Chip is planning a golf event to help raise even more money for the hospital and the needs of the children of Uganda. Roxanne said that she would make certain our money goes to meet very specific and simple needs of these children- many of whom don't even have a mattress or pillow/blanket as they lay in the hospital needing care. We have been receiving donations through our paypal account which is
chip2jody@hotmail.com should you feel compelled to be a part of this gift as well. We truly appreciate your gifts and prayers and I will continue to bring news as Roxanne is able to share with us even though she is thousands of miles away.
My dear blog friend, Angie, and her whole family can use more of your prayers too. They are facing the birth and death of their daughter, Audrey Caroline, who has multiple concerns and is not expected to live as a result of her issues. I invite you to read their story and pray for God to be glorified even in this most trying time in their lives.
As for our own Wyndham, she is nearing the end of the process she has been through as we wean her off one anti-seizure med and onto another. It has taken weeks and we are almost 'there'. I have appreciated so much support and prayers for her too as she has gained strength and gotten her enery levels up again. She still has some catching up to do with the strength/muscle tone she lost, but she has made much progress and now we are just hoping that this single medication will control her seizures and help us live a 'normal' life again.
Yes, there are more stories and updates I could bring you, but I think that fills many of your hearts/minds. I thank you all for being a part of my blog...our lives. It has been a truly wonderful thing to not only be able to share parts of us and others with you...but to also hear your stories and to be supported and encouraged and inspired by you too.
I hope to continue to do this for many, many more posts. =)

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cant believe i am the first to comment on such a wonderful post. I look forward to reading your inspirational words every day. Thank you Jody. Priya

Rays Family said...

just one look at Wyndham's smile and you know she's getting better. That's so great.

Anonymous said...

I saw the Today show segments today with both families and was SO excited to hear how much they spoke of their faith and God's faithfulness to them all...national television, awesome opportunities on all 3 shows they'll be featured on. I didn't doubt that would be a major focus of their discussion, but it was just so awesome to hear!

Lisa said...

i feel so terrible that i've been such a comment slacker. i hardly ever comment anymore just because i haven't made the time. i still read your blog religiously and love everything about you!! you are in my prayers - always!!

Ida said...

Just keep on lovin the Lord, lovin your husband, lovin your kids and the rest is just gravy!

I really enjoy reading about you and your family. I almost can't take it if I can't get to my computer for a day or two! I was so worried about Wyndham. I will pray for your situation and know the HE will take care of you.

Jamie said...

I just recently found your blog, but wish I would have found it 715 posts ago. Thanks for sharing your story...you are an inspiration.
Jamie

paige said...

jody, i truly love your blog. you are one of the most real people out there & i love that about you. i wish you were my neighbor!

i have been following angie's story since your link. i love selah but was unaware of their story. talk about another amazing family!

today i had the today show on as i was cleaning & heard the clip. i had no idea they were friends of yours...if you mentioned that before i missed it. i was so impressed by their faith,with just the little bit i did hear .

i would be honored to pray for you for peace as you await results.
xo

~j~ said...

Jody, the Lord bless you, wonderful wife and Mother, filled with compassion and faith,
"May the Lord answer you in your distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant you all your requests" psalm 20:1-5

Adrienne said...

Congrats on 715. You have inspired this mom to blog away, even if I'm not consistent...it's therapeutic, and I'd miss looking back on it one day. I've been praying for Roxanne and Dickens. Thanks for the update, and the update on Wyndham. I'm sorry you guys are having to walk through this...as far as you go, still praying and will be more specific as you have asked...Ade xoxox

Marcie said...

Congrats on 715...it feels like an honor and privilege to have a window into your lives and hearts.

I saw the Today show and was also happy to hear Jesus get the glory right there on national television.

Prayers for Wyndham, for you and the rest of your family.

Jana said...

Your kiddos are so precious! Congrats on 175 posts, I'm not sure how many I've even done....guess I should check on that!! You're such a caring sweet person, I just wanted to check in and say hello! :-)

Jana said...

Whoops....I meant 715!!!

Kelly said...

I too love reading your blog everyday. I miss seeing you guys in Gaylord all the time.


you have been tagged over at my blog ( :

Becky said...

Jody, you are such an example to me. The faith you have and the strength you have. Thank you for sharing your life with others. I go to your blog daily and love to hear your words of wisdom. Thank you so much!

nap girl said...

Hi Jody. I am tagging you for the “Excellent Blog” Award. Your blog is a regular read of mine and I find it, well, simply excellent!! Thank you for sharing your journey & making me cry, laugh & smile :)
ox Kelley

Anonymous said...

Dear Jody,

Thank you for being such an amazing person. When asked my favorite website i say yours, and follow with "the most amazing person i dont know".

I also wanted to add, that today at 1:15m EST a christian radio station popped over my jazz station (to my great delight! we normally cannot get it here at the beach) and it was that Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone song you posted about. I felt compelled to pray for you so i gathered my staff and prayed for you and your family. It compelled an atheist to pray too. You do amazing things for people and you dont even know us! I hope everything is amazing in your life today, and we will continue to pray for you!
congrats on 715!
Annie

Just Me said...

After I saw this post, I realized that I just wrote post #175...a far cry from 715! However, I live a WAY less exciting life than you do! I hit that "Create a Blog" button last May and didn't know where it would take me either...I called it "Do I have anything to say?" because, really I didn't know...and I still don't, even after 175 "random" posts! Congrats on your 715...praying for you and everything that can be called the nitty-gritty of your life.
=)Amanda

Anonymous said...

God bless you as you continue on your journey of life and sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. I look forward to your words every day. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Jody,

I just cant shake that i need to be praying for you! As an add on to my post about hearing the Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone song yesterday at work, at church today a praise band sang it too! When they asked if they could pray for anyone i mentioned you and your family, so know that we all sent our love and prayers to you today between 9:30-10am EST.
~love Annie

Anonymous said...

Little children who pass away before they are accountable are redeemed.
With little children who are taken away in infancy and innocence before they have reached the years of accountability, and are not capable of committing sin, the gospel reveals to us the fact that they are redeemed, and Satan has no power over them. Neither has death any power over them. They are redeemed by the blood of Christ, and they are saved just as surely as death has come into the world through the fall of our first parents. …

… Our beloved friends who are now deprived of their little one, have great cause for joy and rejoicing, even in the midst of the deep sorrow that they feel at the loss of their little one for a time. They know he is all right; they have the assurance that their little one has passed away without sin. Such children are in the bosom of the Father. They will inherit their glory and their exaltation, and they will not be deprived of the blessings that belong to them; for, in the economy of heaven, and in the wisdom of the Father, who doeth all things well, those who are cut down as little children are without any responsibility for their taking off, they, themselves, not having the intelligence and wisdom to take care of themselves and to understand the laws of life; and, in the wisdom and mercy and economy of God our Heavenly Father, all that could have been obtained and enjoyed by them if they had been permitted to live in the flesh will be provided for them hereafter. They will lose nothing by being taken away from us in this way. …

With these thoughts in my mind, I take consolation in the fact that I shall meet my children who have passed behind the veil; I have lost a number, and I have felt all that a parent can feel, I think, in the loss of my children. I have felt it keenly, for I love children, and I am particularly fond of the little ones, but I feel thankful to God for the knowledge of these principles, because now I have every confidence in his word and in his promise that I will possess in the future all that belongs to me, and my joy will be full. I will not be deprived of any privilege or any blessing that I am worthy of and that may be properly entrusted to me. But every gift, and every blessing that it is possible for me to become worthy of I shall possess, either in time or in eternity, and it will not matter, so that I acknowledge the hand of God in all these things, and say in my heart, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord” [see Job 1:21]. This is the way we should feel with regard to our children, or our relatives, or friends, or whatever vicissitudes we may be called to pass through.